Vehicle modular rail system

ABSTRACT

A modular rail system is provided for supporting accessories on a pick-up truck bed. The system comprises first and second rail assemblies overlying the top surfaces of the first and second truck bed side walls for releasably connecting with the side walls. A flexible cover overlies the bed for covering and providing protection for the bed. A locking mechanism is likewise provided and is associated with the cover and the rail assemblies for lockingly attaching the cover to the rail assemblies and securing the cover in place over the truck bed. The rail system may additionally include a tie-down bar, a light bar, a utility box, a camper top, and a single or multi-piece bed liner, each of which is supported and connected to the rail assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle modular rail systemfor a bed portion of a vehicle and, more particularly, to a vehiclemodular rail system for supporting accessories on the bed of a pick-uptruck.

Accessories, such as tonneau covers, light bars, utility boxes, and thelike, have been used in the past with pick-up trucks. Such accessoriesare normally secured in place by fasteners which are oftentimes affixedthrough openings drilled into the truck bed side members. Thoseopenings, however, have been found to be problematic since the areassurrounding the openings are susceptible to the formation of rust.Furthermore, if use of a particular accessory is no longer desired, theopenings remain in the truck bed side members after the cover isdiscarded unless filled or otherwise repaired.

Accordingly, a need exists for a vehicle modular rail system forsupporting pick-up truck bed accessories without affixing any fastenersthrough openings in the truck bed side walls. Furthermore, a need existsfor a single, versatile system which is capable of accommodating anumber of different accessories, thereby allowing one or more desiredaccessories to be easily mounted onto a pick-up truck bed.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention addresses the limitations of the prior art byproviding a vehicle modular rail system for supporting various pick-uptruck bed accessories without requiring any fasteners to be affixedthrough openings in the truck bed side walls. The present invention alsoaccommodates a number of different accessories, thereby allowing one ormore desired accessories to be easily mounted onto a pick-up truck bed.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a modularrail system is provided for supporting accessories on a pick-up truckbed including a front wall, an end wall, and opposing first and secondside walls. The system comprises first and second elongated railassemblies. The first rail assembly includes a first base rail capableof releasably connecting with the first side wall, a first fill railpositioned adjacent to and connected with the first base rail, and afirst cap rail overlying the first base rail and the first fill rail andbeing connected to one or both of the first base rail and the first fillrail. The second rail assembly includes a second base rail capable ofreleasably connecting with the second side wall, a second fill railpositioned adjacent to and connected with the second base rail, and asecond cap rail overlying the second base rail and the second fill railand being connected to one or both of the second base rail and thesecond fill rail.

Each of the first and second fill rails preferably comprises anelongated member having an outer surface and including an elongatedchannel located therein. The channel defines an opening in the outersurface of the member and serves to receive a decorative strip thereinwhich is visible through the opening in the outer surface of the member.Alternatively, the channel may receive a light strip which is likewisevisible through the opening in the outer surface of the member, a matingportion of a tie down member for connecting the tie down member to theelongated member, or a mating portion of a light bar for connecting thelight bar to the elongated member.

Each of the first and second cap rails may comprise an elongated memberhaving an outer surface and including an elongated channel formedtherein. The channel defines an opening in the outer surface of themember and serves to receive a decorative strip therein which is visiblethrough the opening in the outer surface of the member. Alternatively,the channel in each of the first and second cap rails may receive alight strip therein which is likewise visible through the opening in theouter surface of the member.

The rail system may further comprise a single-piece or multi-piece bedliner which is capable of being connected to the first and second railassemblies. A light bar, a camper top, and a utility box mayadditionally form part of the system and each may connect with the firstand second rail assemblies.

The rail system preferably further comprises a flexible cover meanshaving a front edge, an end edge and first and second side edges, andpositioned over the bed of the truck for covering the same. Furtherprovided is attachment means associated with the first and second railassemblies and the cover means for lockingly attaching the cover meansto the first and second rail assemblies in position over the bed.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the attachment meanscomprises a plurality of cross bar members which extend across the bedand lockingly connect with an inner portion of the first and second fillrails, and means located on the underside of the flexible cover meansfor joining the flexible cover means to the plurality of cross barmembers, thereby securing the flexible cover means to the cross barmembers.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the attachment meanscomprises a plurality of attachment brackets connected to and spacedalong the first and second fill rails, and cable means extending alongat least the first and second side edges of the flexible cover means forconnecting with the plurality of attachment brackets to secure the covermeans to the first and second fill rails.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the attachment meanscomprises a plurality of rail snap elements fixedly connected to thefirst and second fill rails, and a plurality of cover snap elementsfixedly connected along at least a portion of the periphery of theflexible cover means. Each of the cover snap elements is capable offastening with a corresponding rail snap element to attach the covermeans to the first and second fill rails. Also provided are means forlocking the cover snap elements in fastened engagement with the railsnap elements, thereby securing the cover means to the first and secondfill rails.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a coverassembly is provided for a vehicle cargo area having a front wall, anend wall, and opposing first and second side walls. The side walls eachinclude a generally horizontal top surface. The assembly comprises: railmeans overlying the top surfaces of the first and second side walls forreleasably connecting with the side walls of the vehicle; flexible covermeans positioned over at least a portion the cargo area for covering theportion of the cargo area; and attachment means associated with the railmeans and the flexible cover means for lockingly attaching the covermeans to the rail means, thereby securing the flexible cover means inposition over the portion of the cargo area.

The rail means preferably comprises first and second elongated railassemblies as set forth above with respect to the first aspect of thepresent invention.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the attachment meanscomprises a plurality of cross bar members which extend across the bedand lockingly connect with an inner portion of each of the first andsecond cap rails, and means located on the underside of the flexiblecover means for securely joining the flexible cover means to theplurality of cross bar members.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the attachment meanscomprises: a plurality of first attachment brackets spaced along andconnected to the first cap rail; a plurality of second attachmentbrackets spaced along and connected to the second cap rail; and, cablemeans which extend along at least the first and second side edges of theflexible cover means for connecting with the first and second attachmentbrackets for securing the cover means to the rail means.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the first and secondcap rails of the first and second rail assemblies each include anelongated recess formed therein. The attachment means comprises a firstplurality of rail snap elements fixedly positioned in the first cap railrecess, and a second plurality of rail snap elements fixedly positionedin the second cap rail recess. Also provided are a plurality of coversnap elements fixedly positioned along at least a part of the peripheryof the flexible cover means. Each of a first portion of the cover snapelements is capable of fastening with a corresponding rail snap elementin the first cap rail recess, and each of a second portion of the coversnap elements is capable of fastening with a corresponding rail snapelement in the second cap rail recess. First locking means are slidablypositioned in the first cap rail recess for locking the first portion ofthe cover snap elements in fastened engagement with the first rail snapelements, and second locking means are slidably positioned in the secondcap rail recess for locking the second portion of the cover snapelements in fastened engagement with the second rail snap elements.

According to preferred embodiments, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a modular rail system for supporting accessories ona pick-up truck. It is a further object of the present invention toprovide an improved cover assembly for the cargo area of a vehicle, suchas a pick-up truck, which allows for quick and simple installation, highsecurity, and easy access to the cargo area of the vehicle. It isanother object of the present invention to provide a tonneau coverarrangement for covering and protecting the bed of a pick-up truckwherein the arrangement includes a support rail assembly and attachmentmeans for lockingly connecting a tonneau cover to the support railassembly. It is an additional object of the present invention to providea modular rail system for the bed of a pick-up truck wherein the systemmay include a protective cover, a light bar, a utility box, a campertop, and a single-piece or multi-piece bed liner, each of which iscapable of being supported and connected to first and second railassemblies. It is yet an additional object of the present invention toprovide a modular rail system for protecting the side wall top surfacesof the bed of a pick-up truck. These and other objects and advantages ofthe invention will be apparent from the following description, theaccompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the modular rail system of the presentinvention mounted onto the bed of a pick-up truck;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the rail system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the first rail assemblyshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along section line 4--4in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a portion of a fill railhaving a channel and a light strip capable of being received within thechannel;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of a portion of a fill railhaving a channel and a decorative strip capable of being received withinthe channel;

FIG. 7 is a partial, perspective view of a fill rail including a matingsupport member of a tie down member received within its channel;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the rail system of the present inventionmounted onto the bed of a pick-up truck and including a light bar and atie down member connected to the fill rail of the first rail assembly;

FIG. 9 is a partial, perspective view of a hinge and a removable pin forremovably connecting a frame member of the hatch assembly to one of thecap rails;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the rail system mounted onto the bed of apick-up truck with the hatch assembly in an "up" position;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the rail system mounted onto the bed of apick-up truck with the hatch assembly in a "down" position;

FIG. 12 is an exploded, perspective view of a multi-piece bed linerwhich forms part of the system of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an end portion of a frontsection and an end portion of a side section of a multi-piece bed linerand a clip for connecting the two portions together;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along section line14--14 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of attachment means of a firstembodiment of the present invention showing one end of a cross barmember and an attachment bracket having an angled slot for receivinglocking pins of the cross bar member;

FIG. 16 is a partial, side view of attachment means of the firstembodiment of the present invention with the first rail assembly removedand showing in cross-section locking pins of cross bar members;

FIG. 17 is partial, perspective view of attachment means of a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the rail system with the first cap rail and aside member of the hatch assembly removed showing the attachment meansof the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view of attachment means of a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment means of the thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a partial, side view of the rail system with the coverremoved, the hatch assembly in the "up" position, and showing theattachment means of the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a partial, side view of the rail system with the coverremoved, the hatch assembly in the "down" position, and showing theattachment means of the third embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 23 is perspective view of the rail system of the present inventionmounted onto the bed of a pick-up truck and including a utility boxconnected to the rail means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The modular rail system of the present invention, generally designatedby the reference numeral 100, is shown in FIG. 1 mounted to a bed 200 ofa pickup-truck 202. Referring also to FIG. 2, the truck bed 200 includesa front wall portion 204, a rear wall portion 206, formed by tailgate206a, and opposing first and second side wall portions 208 and 210,respectively. Each of the first and second side wall portions 208 and210 includes a top surface 208a and 210a, respectively. Rail means 110is positioned over the top surface 208a of the first side wall portion208 and the top surface 210a of the second side wall portion 210 forreleasably connecting with the first and second side wall portions 208and 210 of the pick-up truck. By releasably connecting with the sidewall portions 208 and 210 of the truck 202, the rail means 110 acts toreleasably connect the rail system 100 to the pick-up truck bed 200without affixing any fasteners through openings in the truck bed 200 orotherwise damaging the bed 200 to secure the rail system 100 thereto.

Referring again to FIG. 2, which is an exploded view of the rail system100, the rail means 110 comprises first and second elongated railassemblies 120 and 130, respectively. The first rail assembly 120, whichis also shown in cross-section in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes a first baserail 122 having one or more openings 122a therein for threadedlyreceiving one or more bolts 122b or like fasteners. Each bolt 122b, uponbeing threaded upward within it corresponding opening 122a, acts toclamp the base rail 122 to an extended portion 208b of the first sidewall portion 208. Positioned intermediate the top surface 208a of thefirst side wall 208 and the base rail 122 is a first, upper protectivestrip 122c. Positioned intermediate a lower surface 208c of the firstside wall portion 208 and the bolts 122b is a lower support plate 122d.

The first rail assembly 120 further includes a first fill rail 124 whichoverlies the protective strip 122c and is positioned adjacent to thefirst base rail 122. One or more bolts 124a or like fasteners passthrough openings 122e in the base rail 122 and threadedly engage withopenings 124b in the fill rail 124 to connect the fill rail 124 with thebase rail 122. Located above the first base rail 122 and the first fillrail 124 is a first cap rail 126. The cap rail 126 is connected to thefill rail 124 by one or more bolts 126a or like fasteners which passthrough openings 124c in the fill rail 124 and threadedly engage withopenings 126b in the cap rail 126. Alternatively, the cap rail 126 couldbe connected to either the base rail 122 alone or to both the fill rail124 and the base rail 122. End caps 128 are also provided for closingoff the end portions of the base rail 122 and the fill rail 124.

The second rail assembly 130, which is substantially the same as thefirst rail assembly 120, is shown in FIG. 2 and includes a second baserail 132 having one or more openings (not shown) for threadedlyreceiving one or more bolts 132a or like fasteners. The bolts 132a, uponbeing threaded upward within their respective openings, act to clamp thebase rail 132 to an extended portion 210b of the second side wallportion 210. Positioned intermediate the top surface 210a and the baserail 132 is a second, upper protective strip 132b. Positionedintermediate a lower surface (not shown) of the second side wall portion210 and the bolts 132a is a second, lower support plate 132c.

The second rail assembly 130 further includes a second fill rail 134which overlies the protective strip 132c and is positioned adjacent tothe second base rail 132. One or more bolts 134a or like fasteners passthrough openings 132d in the base rail 132 and threadedly engage withinopenings 134b in the fill rail 134 to connect the fill rail 134 with thebase rail 132. Located above the second base rail 132 and the secondfill rail 134 is a second cap rail 136. The cap rail 136 is connected tothe fill rail 134 by one or more bolts 136a or like fasteners which passthrough openings 134c in the fill rail 134 and threadedly engage withinopenings (not shown) in the cap rail 136. Alternatively, the cap rail136 could be connected to either the base rail 132 alone or to both thefill rail 134 and the base rail 132. End caps 138 are additionallyprovided for closing off the end portions of the base rail 132 and thefill rail 134.

It is further contemplated that the rails 122, 124 and 126 of the firstrail assembly, and the rails 132, 134 and 136 of the second railassembly, could be interconnected by interlocking means (not shown)rather than by bolts. The interlocking means would comprise one or moreprojections on a first rail member which would engage and lock with acorresponding recess or opening in a second rail member to join the tworail members to one another. It is additionally contemplated that therails of the two rail assemblies 120 and 130 could be welded to oneanother, or formed together as a single unit.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, each of the first and second fill rails 124and 134 is preferably formed from an elongated member 125 having anelongated channel 125a located therein. The channel 125a defines anopening in the outer strip 125b of the elongated member 125 and receivesa light strip 125c therein, as shown in FIG. 5, which is visible throughthe opening in the outer surface 125b. The light strip 125c is connectedto the truck's 202 electrical system in a known manner for receivingelectrical energy for purposes of illumination. The channel 125a mayalternatively receive a decorative strip 140, as shown in FIG. 6; amating support member 142a of a tie down member 142, as shown in FIGS. 7and 8; and/or mating support members 144a of a light bar 144, as alsoshown in FIG. 8.

While not explicitly shown in the drawings, each of the cap rails 126and 136 may include a channel formed therein for receiving a lightstrip, a decorative strip, a support member of a tie down member, and/orsupport members for a light bar.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the rail means 110 preferably includes ahatch assembly 150, also referred to herein as hatch means, forproviding easy access to the truck bed 200. The hatch assembly 150includes a hatch frame 152 made from frame members 152a-152d which arebolted, welded or otherwise connected to one another. Frame member 152ais releasably connected to cap rail 136 by a hinge 153 and removable pin154, as shown in FIG. 9. Frame member 152c is releasably connected tocap rail 126 in a similar fashion. It should be apparent that othermeans not explicitly disclosed herein may also be employed forreleasably connecting the hatch frame 152 with the first and second caprails 126 and 136. A piston-cylinder unit 151 or like support can beprovided for supporting the hatch frame 152 in an "up" or "open"position, as shown in FIG. 10. The piston-cylinder unit 151 is connectedby bolts 151a or like fasteners to the hatch frame 152 and the base rail132.

The hatch means 150 further includes locking means 156 for releasablylocking the hatch frame 152 in a closed position. The locking means 156comprises a handle member 156a which is operatively connected to firstand second movable locking rods 156b and 156c. The rods 156b and 156care capable of being received within corresponding openings 155 in thebase rails 122 and 132 (only the opening 155 in base rail 132 is shown)for locking the frame 152 to the base rails 122 and 132. Consequently,upon rotation of the handle member 156a, the hatch frame 152 can bereleased to an unlocked position and moved to an "up" position, as shownin FIG. 10, or can be locked to the base rails 122 and 132 in a "down"position, as shown in FIG. 11. When the hatch frame 152 is in the "down"position, frame member 152b overlaps tailgate 206a to lock the same inposition.

A multi-piece bed liner 160 is preferably provided within the truck bed200 for protecting the bed 200 against damage caused by cargo stowedtherein. As shown in FIG. 12, the multi-piece bed liner 160 comprises afront section 162, first and second side sections 166 and 164,respectively, and a floor section 168. The floor section 168 ispreferably formed from a nonslip material, which may be a differentmaterial from that used for the front and side sections. End portions162a and 162b of the front section 162, end portion 166a of the firstside section 166, and end portion 164a of the second side section 164are shown in FIG. 12 having substantially straight edges. While notshown in FIG. 12, the end portions 162a and 162b of the front section162 are joined with the end portions 166a and 164a of the first andsecond side sections 166 and 164 via clamps, adhesive tape or otherconventional securing means.

It is further contemplated that end portions 162a and 162b of the frontsection 162, and end portions 166a and 164a of the side sections 166 and164 may be formed having a C-shape. For example, FIG. 13 shows endportions 166a and 162b having a C-shape. A metal clip 168 is also shownfor joining the end portions 166a and 162b to one another to providestrength and rigidity to the corners. It is additionally contemplatedthat the sections 162, 164, 166 and 168 of the liner 160 may be formedhaving a shape which substantially resembles that of an actual truckbed, i.e., they include all of the curves and valleys of a truck bed. Itis further contemplated that a single-piece bed liner (not shown) may beemployed in place of the multi-piece bed liner 160.

As shown in FIG. 12, the front section 162 of the liner 160 includes anL-shaped base portion 162c, and the first and second side sections 166and 164 likewise include L-shaped base portions 166b and 164b,respectively. The floor section 168, when positioned within the truckbed 200, overlies the base portions 162c, 166b and 164b and is joinedthereto via tape or like securing means (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the multi-piece bed liner 160 is connecteddirectly to the rail means 110 via bolts 165 or like fasteners whichpass through the first and second side sections 166 and 164.Consequently, fasteners which must be affixed through openings drilledinto the bed 200 are not necessary for securing the liner 160 to thetruck bed 200.

Referring again to FIG. 1, flexible cover means 300 is positioned overthe truck bed 200 to cover and protect the bed 200 from theft, vandalismand the environment. The flexible cover means 300 comprises a protectivecover 301, also referred to herein as a tonneau cover, having a frontedge 302, an end edge 304 and first and second side edges 306 and 308.The cover 301 is formed from waterproof cloth or like material.

Attachment means 309, shown best in FIG. 15, is provided for removablyattaching the protective cover 301 to the rail means 110. The attachmentmeans 309 includes a plurality of cover snap elements 310 fixedlyattached to edges 304, 306 and 308 of the cover 301 (see also FIG. 1)for fastening with corresponding rail snap elements 312 fixedlypositioned along the first and second cap rails 126 and 136, and hatchsnap elements 314 (see FIG. 2) fixedly positioned about frame members152a-152c. The cover snap elements 310, the rail snap elements 312 andthe hatch snap elements 314 serve to attach the cover 301 to the firstand second cap rails 126 and 136 and to the hatch assembly 150.Preferably, the cover elements 310 are female snap elements while therail elements 312 and the hatch elements 314 are male snap elements.Both male and female snap elements are conventional and well-known inthe art.

The attachment means 309 further comprises an interlocking rod or cord302a, shown in FIG. 14, which is sewn or otherwise attached to the frontedge 302 of the cover 301. The rod or cord 302a is received within amating recess 112a of a front rail member 112 for connecting the frontedge 302 of the cover 301 to the rail means 110. The front rail member112 is formed from first and second rail members 112b and 112c which areconnected to one another by one or more bolts 112d. Alternatively, thefront rail member 112 could be formed from a single rail member (notshown). The first rail member 112b overlies the first and second baserails 122 and 132 and the first and second fill rails 124 and 134. Thefront rail member 112 is bolted, welded or otherwise fastened to thefirst and second base rails 122 and 132.

For providing additional security for the bed 200, the attachment means309 further comprises a plurality of cross bar members 322, shown inFIGS. 2 and 15. Each end 322a of the cross bar members 322 is providedwith first and second locking pins 324 and 326, respectively, which arereceived within angled slots 328a of brackets 328. The brackets 328 aresecured along the first and second cap rails 126 and 136 by bolts 328b.

Provided on the underside 301a of the cover 301 is a plurality ofwrap-around securing elements 330, formed from waterproof cloth or thelike. Each securing element 330 is sewn or otherwise fastened to theunderside 301a of the cover 301 and positioned to wrap-around and lockwith a corresponding cross bar member 322. First and second snapelements 330a and 330b are provided on the wrap-around elements 330 tosecure each element 330 to its corresponding cross bar member 322. Thus,by manually fastening together the first and second snap elements 330aand 330b on each wrap-around element 330, the wrap-around elements 330,and hence the cover 301, are secured to the cross bar members 322. Thecross bar members 322 are, in turn, locked into position when they areinserted into angled slots 328a and the hatch assembly 150 is positionedin its "down" position (see FIGS. 11 and 16). This results because theangled slots 328a, which receive the first and second locking pins 324and 326 of the cross bar members 322, are sloped so that their entrances328a' are positioned away from the hatch assembly 150, see FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17 and 18, where like reference numerals indicate like elements,show attachment means 340 for securing the cover 301 to the rail means110. The attachment means 340 is a modified attachment means of the typeshown in FIGS. 2 and 15. The attachment means 340 includes two securingcables 342 which are sewn or otherwise secured within the marginal sideedges 306 and 308 of the cover 301, such as shown in FIG. 17. Attachedby bolts 344a along the length of each of the cap rails 126 and 136 andto members 152a and 152c of the hatch assembly 150 are a plurality ofattachment brackets 344. Each bracket 344 includes first and secondlocking recesses 344b and 344c, respectively. As shown in FIG. 17, thecover 301 includes notched portions 307 along it side edges 306 and 308through which sections of the securing cables 342 are exposed forsecurement to corresponding brackets 344. Thus, by inserting the exposedcable sections within the locking recesses 344b and 344c of brackets344, the cover 301 is secured to the rail means 110.

Springs 346 are connected to each of the cables 342 for allowing thehatch assembly 150 to be moved to the "up" position, as shown in FIG.18. Each spring 346 is connected at a first end to a support 346a fixedto the hatch assembly 150 and at a second end to its respective cable342. Each cable 342 is also connected to an end bracket 344d.

The attachment means 340 preferably further includes permanentfasteners, such as screw fasteners or rivets (not shown), for lockinglyconnecting the cover 301 to frame member 152b of the hatch assembly 150.Cover snap elements 310, rail snap elements 312 and hatch snap elements314, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 15, may additionally be provided tofurther attach the cover 301 to the first and second cap rails 126 and136 and frame members 152a and 152c of the hatch assembly 150. Theattachment means 340 also preferably includes an interlocking rod orcord 302a for connecting the front edge 302 of the cover 301 to the railmeans 110. Cross bar members 322, or cables which extend across thetruck bed 200 may additionally be provided for center support of thecover 301.

FIG. 19-20, where like reference numerals indicate like elements, showattachment means 350 for securing the cover 301 to the rail means 110.The attachment means 350 is a further modified attachment means of thetype shown in FIGS. 2 and 15. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, cap rail 126'includes a recess 352 capable of receiving a first elongated strip 354having a plurality of first male rail snap elements 354a fixedlypositioned along its length. The strip 354 is secured within the recess352 by screws 354b or like fasteners. A plurality of female cover snapelements 356 are positioned along corresponding portions of the firstand second side edges 306 and 308 of the cover 301. Each cover snapelement 356 includes an elongated intermediate section 356a and aengaging base section 356b, as shown in FIG. 19.

A first translating locking strip 358 is likewise received within therecess 352. Spaced along the length of the locking strip 358 are aplurality of locking apertures 359 having a receiving portion 359a and alocking portion 359b. The strip 358 further includes a cam followersurface 360 which engages with a corner portion 152c' of frame member152c.

When the hatch assembly 150 is in the "up" position, as shown in FIG.21, the strip 358 is biased toward the hatch assembly 150 by a spring362. The spring 362 is connected at a first end to a pin 364 fixedlyconnected to the first cap rail 126', as shown in FIG. 19, and isconnected at its second end to a protruding securing element 358a on thestrip 358. While the hatch assembly 150 is in the "up" position, thecover snap elements 356 may be fastened to or unfastened from the railsnap elements 354a through the receiving portions 359a of apertures 359.When the hatch assembly 150 is in the "down" position, the cornerportion 152c' engages with the cam follower 360 and acts to overcome thespring force and push the strip 358 away from the hatch assembly 150 toits "locking" position, as shown in FIG. 22. When the strip 358 is inits "locking" position, the locking portions 359b of the apertures 359engage with the elongated sections 356a of the cover snap elements 356to lock the base sections 356b of the snap elements 356 in fastenedengagement with corresponding rail snap elements 354a, thereby securingthe cover 301 to the rail means 110.

The second cap rail (not shown) is formed in the same manner as cap rail126'. Furthermore, it includes a second elongated strip and a secondtranslating strip, which are constructed in essentially the same manneras strips 354 and 358 shown in FIG. 19.

The attachment means 350 preferably further includes permanentfasteners, such as screw fasteners or rivets (not shown), for lockinglyconnecting the cover 301 to members 152a, 152b, and 152c of the hatchassembly 150. Alternatively, male and female snap elements, such asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be employed for connecting the cover 301 tothe hatch assembly 150. The attachment means 350 also preferablyincludes an interlocking rod or cord 302a for connecting the front edge302 of the cover 301 to the rail means 110. Cross bar members 322, orcables which extend across the truck bed 200 may additionally beprovided for center support of the cover 301.

While spring 362 is shown in FIGS. 19, 21 and 22 as comprising a tensionspring, it is further contemplated that a compression spring couldalternatively be used in its stead.

It is further contemplated by the present invention, that a utility box365 may overlie and be fixed to the rail means 110, as shown in FIG. 23.Portions of the cap rails 126 and 136 are removed so that the oppositeend portions 365a and 365b of the utility box 365 may rest directly uponthe base rails 122 and 132 and the fill rails 124 and 134. The utilitybox 365 is preferably secured to the base rails 122 and 132 via bolts orlike fasteners through the inside of the box 365. It is furthercontemplated by the present invention that the utility box 365 mayinclude an ice chest 365c positioned therein.

It is also contemplated by the present invention that a bulkhead 370made from a net material or the like, shown in FIG. 1, may be pivotablyconnected to the first and second rail assemblies 120 and 130 by, forexample, a pivot rod (not shown) extending between the two assemblies120 and 130.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular rail system for supporting one or moreaccessories on a pickup truck bed including a front wall, an end wall,and opposing first and second side walls, the side walls each having agenerally horizontal top surface, the system comprising:a firstelongated rail assembly including a first base rail capable ofreleasably connecting with said first side wall, a first fill railpositioned adjacent to and connected with said first base rail, and afirst cap rail overlying said first base rail and said first fill railand being connected to at least one of said first base rail and saidfirst fill rail; a second elongated rail assembly including a secondbase rail capable of releasably connecting with said second side wall, asecond fill rail positioned adjacent to and connected with said secondbase rail, and a second cap rail overlying said second base rail andsaid second fill rail and being connected to at least one of said secondbase rail and said second fill rail; flexible cover means having firstand second sections positioned over at least a portion of said bed forcovering said portion of said bed; first attachment means associatedwith said first and second cap rails and said first section of saidcover means for lockingly attaching said first section of said covermeans to said first and second cap rails; and hatch means pivotablyconnected at fixed points on said first and second elongated railassemblies for supporting said second section of said flexible covermeans and for providing easy access to said truck bed; said hatch meanscomprising a frame movable between an up position and a down position,locking means associated with said frame for locking said frame to saidfirst and second rail assemblies when said frame is in said downposition, and second attachment means for lockingly attaching saidsecond section of said cover means to said frame; and said frameincluding an L-shaped member which overlaps said end wall when said endwall is in a closed position and said frame is in said down position tosecure said end wall in said closed position.
 2. A modular rail systemas set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said first and second fill railcomprises an elongated member having an outer surface and including anelongated channel located therein, said channel defining an opening inthe outer surface of said member and receiving a decorative striptherein which is visible through said opening in the outer surface ofsaid member.
 3. A modular rail system as set forth in claim 1, whereineach of said first and second fill rail comprises an elongated memberhaving an outer surface and including an elongated channel locatedtherein which defines an opening in the outer surface of said member,said channel receiving a light strip therein which is visible throughsaid opening in said outer surface of said member.
 4. A modular railsystem as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said first and secondfill rail comprises an elongated member having an outer surface andincluding an elongated channel located therein which defines an openingin the outer surface of said member, said channel receiving a matingportion of a tie down member for connecting said tie down member to saidelongated member.
 5. A modular rail system as set forth in claim 1,wherein each of said first and second fill rail comprises an elongatedmember having an outer surface and including an elongated channel formedtherein which defines an opening in the outer surface of said member,said channel receiving a decorative strip therein which is visiblethrough said opening in said outer surface of said member.
 6. A modularrail system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rail system furthercomprises a bed liner which is capable of being connected to said firstand second rail assemblies.
 7. A modular rail system as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said rail system further comprises a light bar capableof being connected to said first and second rail assemblies.
 8. Amodular rail system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rail systemfurther comprise a utility box capable of being connected to said firstand second rail assemblies.
 9. A modular rail system as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said first attachment means comprises:a plurality ofrail snap elements fixedly connected to said first and second cap rails;a plurality of cover snap elements fixedly connected along at least apart of a periphery of said first section of said flexible cover means,each of said cover snap elements being capable of fastening with acorresponding said rail snap element to attach said first section ofsaid cover means to said first and second cap rails; and means forlocking said cover snap elements in fastened engagement with said railsnap elements, thereby securing said first section of said cover meansto said first and second rail assemblies.
 10. A modular rail system asset forth in claim 1, wherein said first attachment means comprises:aplurality of attachment brackets spaced along said first and second caprails; and cable means extending along at least first and second sideedges of said first section of said flexible cover means for connectingwith said attachment brackets to secure said first section of said covermeans to said first and second cap rails.
 11. A modular rail system asset forth in claim 1, wherein said first attachment means comprises:aplurality of cross bar members which extend across said bed andlockingly connect with an inner portion of said first and second caprails; and means located on an underside of said flexible cover meansfor joining said first section of said flexible cover means to saidplurality of cross bar members, thereby securing said first section ofsaid flexible cover means to said cross bar members.